Harold Mason was born in Providence, RI on March 22, 1881. He lived at 253 Waterman Street with his family for the duration of his life. Little is known about Mason’s personal life, interests in photography and architecture or his professional career. It does not appear that he worked as a professional photographer. However, he did sell prints of his photographs as is noted in his sales brochures. He died on March 3, 1944 of a heart attack.
There are no restrictions on access. This collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Providence Public Library Special Collections department.
Researchers are requested to cite the collection name and the Providence Public Library in all bibliographic references.
[item number], [itemtitle], Harold Mason Photograph Collection, VM003, Rhode Island Collection, Providence Public Library.
The Harold Mason Photograph Collection contains photographs and photographic postcards of domestic architecture and architectural elements of structures, specifically doorways, throughout Rhode Island. The bulk of the images are of building exteriors although some interior shots are included. Photographs are both mounted and on photographic postcards.
Included in the collection is what is presumed to be the complete set of Providence doorways sold by Harold Mason. The remainder of the images are presumed to have been acquired as individual prints. While the actual date of these photographs is unknown, it is likely that they were produced from 1910-1920. Photographic postcards were developed after 1907 and several accounts show that organizations purchased his photograph sets 1916-1918.
The Harold Mason Photograph Collection is organized into 3 main series. The photographic series are organized numerically using the numbers printed on the photographs.
Materials were acquired as part of the Providence Public Library Nickerson Architectural Collection. Specific acquisition of the Harold Mason photographs is unknown.
VM 002 Collection of Rhode Island architecture from the National Park Service, Historic American Buildings Survey records. Rhode Island Collection. Providence Public Library.
View or download the inventory for the Harold Mason Photograph Collection